Lots of folks don’t use their dogs for the functions of which they are capable.
For example how many folks have Labs for the purpose of retrieving.
Many folks have their dogs primarily for companionship
Just because folks don’t use their dogs for these functions doesn’t mean they are incapable of being so used.
Now I wouldn’t claim that “pitbull” type dogs excel at sledding.
They can do it and certainly enjoy it up to a certain point
but realistically they aren’t physically designed for the extreme cold in the way of husky types.
My next door neighbor has a husky type who appears to love laying outside in the snow, the colder it is the more he seems to enjoy it.
My dog could not do that, he is short-haired and would be whining to come indoors before long.
In a similar fashion I would guess that while they may be capable of it,
you wouldn’t find too many husky types hunting wild hogs in the southern US.
As far as rescue work, tracking or hunting
with recognition that even among the ‘usual’ participants there are degrees of aptitude,
there is no reason that, with training, “pitbull” types can not excel in those functions.
They do after all have a terrier component to them that lends itself to tracking and hunting.
Exactly.
Not too many dachshunds these days are used to flush badgers out of their holes.
Not too many elkhounds are used to hunt bear or elk.
Not too many Saint bernards are used for rescue missions.
Etc.
“Lots of folks don’t use their dogs for the functions of which they are capable.”
I do.
:)
Undoubtedly the majority.
there is no reason that, with training, “pitbull” types can not excel in those functions.
There are distinct reasons why certain breeds are most prevalent in search and rescue, tracking, bird hunting, rabbit hunting, field trials, herding, pulling, guide/service dogs, etc. They've been bred for and have the natural characteristics to do certain tasks more effectively and successfully than other breeds. Not all purebreds are great at what they were bred and trained for. Occasionally even a Heinz 57 will excel at something one wouldn't normally expect. However, the majority of the time the beagle will be a far superior rabbit hunter to a St. Bernard. A Newfie will be far superior to an Akita at water rescue, a border collie will be far superior to a golden retriever at herding, etc., etc., etc.